Sweet Buns with Silky Vanilla Custard
·Make the starter
Combine the lukewarm milk, a pinch of sugar and the yeast to make a starter.
First rise
In a bowl, mix the flour, starter, egg yolk and a pinch of salt. Dust with a little flour and leave in a warm spot to rise.
Fold and rise again
Stir the dough through once more and let it rise a second time (this makes it even fluffier).
Shape the buns
Shape the dough into small buns and arrange them in a greased baking dish. You can brush them with melted butter, if you like.
Bake
Bake in an oven preheated to 180 °C until nicely golden.
Make the egg yolk custard
Whisk the egg yolks with sugar until you get a smooth, pale, fluffy mixture. Stir the vanilla and cornstarch into the milk and bring it to a boil. Take it off the heat and set it into a water bath, which you then gently heat.
Whisk in and warm through
Gradually whisk the egg yolk mixture into the milk, keeping the custard hot but never letting it boil, so the yolks don't curdle.
Serve
Serve this wonderful vanilla custard alongside the warm buns with their crisp little crust. Kids and adults alike will be licking their spoons clean!
